Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs admits he has found it difficult to make the transition from player to coach at Old Trafford, but insists he is up to the challenge of helping bring success back to the club.

The Welshman, now assistant manager to boss Loius van Gaal, spent 14 years as a player for the Red Devils, but he insists the will to win has not waned.

He told the club’s official website: “I wanted to be the best as a player and I want to be the best as a coach. That means working hard and doing everything you can to achieve that, but also enjoying it and enjoying the challenge.”

United return to Premier League action next Sunday when Roberto Martinez’s Everton visit Old Trafford, with the hosts eager to stake their claim for a Champions League place in what has otherwise been a disappointing season.

A derby win over bitter rivals Manchester City has helped to ease the pressure on van Gaal, with the Dutchman the subject of increased speculation in recent weeks.

Giggs has himself been mentioned as a possible successor to United's under-fire boss, but the 42-year-old admits he is still getting to grips with the differences between coaching and playing.

“The biggest thing you learn going from player to coach is not to think like a player anymore, but to think like a coach,” he continued.

“As a player you’re pretty selfish – you want to do well and you know what you’re capable of doing and how to achieve it.

“Now, you need to get the best out of 25, maybe 30, different individuals. So you need to find what makes them tick and how you’re going to get the best out of them.”

United have had a hit-and-miss campaign to date, but their performance against City - along with their first-half performance against Liverpool in the second leg of their recent Europa League tie - showed what a force they can still play when playing to their full potential.

Tom Coleman

Leeds-based writer whose rebellious passion for football still disappoints his rugby-mad parents. Other appearances include Goal.com and Guardian Sport. Once pocket-called Dean Holdsworth on a night out. Specialises in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A but has always had a soft spot for a German terrace. Aside from football, he's also a big fan of cricket, rugby league, Formula One, tennis and snooker.